Your Opinion: Nigel Thomas' books about the German Army?

Pierre Grande Guerre

Pierre Grande Guerre

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As some of you already know, I am a rather strange duck in this pond of Pickelhaubes forum. I am collecting WW 1 books, copies of trench maps, and of course my photographs of my visits to quite some locations of the Western Front. I am not a collector of uniforms or helmets, but I “collect” locations.

But by frequently visiting this Pickelhaubes forum I somehow got infected by the virus and I developed, thanks to you all here, a growing interest for this German uniform and helmet aspect of World War 1.

These books of the author, Nigel Thomas Ph D, “The German Army in World War 1 (1), (2), and (3), were a surprise present by my wife.
Every part is about 50 pages. In very concise texts Thomas writes about the German Empire, the several Army Units, organisation structure, ranks, etc, according to the period. Part 1 is about the period of 1914-1915, part 2 about 1915-1917, and part 3 about 1917-1918.
In the next chapters of each part Thomas writes again in concise words about the strategic developments. The last half of these books tells in concise texts but very detailed about the different field outfits, rank insignia, etc.
These descriptions are supported by maps, period photographs, sometimes too complicated tables and beautifully made colour illustrations, artist impressions, which are described in detail by the author. The first part is illustrated by Gerry Embleton, the last two parts were illustrated by Ramiro Bujeiro.

Being amongst experts, I would like to ask you all: are you familiar with these books, have you read or looked in these books? What is your opinion? Is this series a good start to familiarize one self with the complicated world of German field uniforms and equipment?
Although I do have some critical comments on the sometimes puzzling tables, I do enjoy the artist impressions. But are these impressions and the accompanying texts flawless?

I end my questions with some more detailed information:

Author: Nigel Thomas
Title: The German Army in World War 1
Resp. (1) 1914-1915, (2) 1915-1917, (3) 1917-1918
Published by: Osprey Publishing
ISBN (1) : 978-1-84176-565-5
(2) : 978-1-84176-566-2
(3) : 1-84176-567-8
Price US$: 15,95 each

Thanks for your reactions.

Pierre
 
The osprey series book's , are not to bad .they are limited in description's as they are small little book's. There is also the series on the Brittish and aFrench as well.
Some error's but good for basic reference.
Mark
 
Hello Pierre,
I agree with Mark, These Osprey books are very limited in the information that they have due to their small size, and I do not think you will find any book that does not have errors, I have about 20 books from this series, as they cover nearly everythig from the Baltic to the Balkans (sadly with the exception of Belgium) And while they are not a complete source of information, I do use one or more volumes nearly every day. I take my hat off to any one who is willing to put their knowledge down on paper so we have access to it.
Best wishes
Gus
 
Of course, I agree, Gustaf, there is more information to be found in books with more pages, but I am rather impressed how many information the author still knows to explain in his concise texts. Besides that I do agree, that “one will find any book that does not have errors”. Sometimes though, books can be filled with a lot of errors, often in details. Being not that much well informed about many details of uniforms and equipment, I asked the opinion of you guys here.
I share your respect, Gustaf, and I also “take my hat off to any one who is willing to put their knowledge down on paper so we have access to it.”.
I am glad that I have now the confirmation of insiders, that these books of Nigel Thomas are highly reliable and of value. I am still happily reading the puzzling tables, while combining these with the pictures. So I also lift my hat for Nigel Thomas himself. :hello1:

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience with the Osprey books and your reaction, Gustaf.

Pierre
 
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